At its July meeting, Bird Rock Community Council (BRCC) heard about off-leash dogs, a pilot water purification project and a summer stroll through the community’s commercial strip.

“If you see something, report it because that really helps us with animal services,” Sterling McHale, policy advisor for Fourth District Supervisor Ron Roberts, told Bird Rock residents about ongoing off-leash dog problems.

BRCC chairwoman Jacqueline Bell said there have been instances where people have “literally been driven out of the park” at Calumet by unrestrained dogs and owners who felt entitled to let their pets go off-leash.

“It’s a difficult problem to change the cultural attitude toward dogs,” she said, noting off-leash dogs are virtually unseen in Canada where it is unacceptable to ignore animal-control laws.

“Ron knows that the beach communities are very concerned about two things: homelessness and animals,” McHale said.

Resident Mike Costello suggested people could curb troublesome off-leash dogs by photographing them and their owners and taking them to civil court.

“Right now it’s to the point where most of us agree there is virtual non-compliance with nuisance, off-leash and sanitation laws,” said resident Mike Costello, adding “a little bit of law enforcement would help, even if it is spotty.”

Peter Martin, a senior water resources specialist with the city of San Diego Public Utilities Department, filled residents in on a Water Purification Demonstration Project, which uses a multi-barrier system to reclaim water.

“Water is recycled no matter what,” said Martin. “This is just carrying on a natural process.”

Martin said San Diego imports the vast majority of its potable water from the Colorado River, adding the cost of that water “is expected to double over the next 10 years.”

Hence, he said, the search is on for alternative water sources like desalinization and the Water Purification Demonstration Project.

Noting the water purification pilot program has met health standards and expectations, Martin said ultimately, it will be up to the San Diego City Council to decide whether or not to use it on a more permanent basis or on a grander scale.

Local resident Sharon Wampler commented that San Diegans have poor water conservation habits compared with some people elsewhere in the world.

“In Ireland, where people have much more water, they are more conservative with their water usage, not letting water run while washing dishes, etc.,” she said. “Here in San Diego, even though we don’t have a lot of water, we’re not as conservative.”

A Summer Walk event with music, artists and restaurant menu specials is planned Thursday, July 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. along La Jolla Boulevard.

“The purpose is to provide the community with a fun, social event, as well as to promote the Bird Rock business district,” Bell said. “Success will be determined by whether we get a good turnout, and if the participating businesses are pleased with the foot traffic.”

In other matters

• A community happy hour for residents to mingle is set for Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lupi Vino Cucina, 5518 La Jolla Blvd.